Sexuality is a fundamental dimension of human beings that goes beyond genitalia and reproduction. Sexuality includes biological, psycho-affective, relational, sociocultural and moral aspects.

Interventions in schools should:

  • be part of a comprehensive and positive approach to sexuality
  • aim to develop young people’s capacity to take charge of their own sexual health and well-being and promote respect for the rights of others (e.g. egalitarian relationships, gender diversity)
  • contribute to reducing young people’s vulnerability to sexual assault and violence in romantic relationships
  • help prevent sexually transmissible and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and unplanned pregnancies, which includes providing young people with services tailored to their needs, such as access to contraception and condoms
  • be consistent with the compulsory Sexuality Education content of the Ministère de l’Éducation, for certain themes

Keywords

  • birth
  • condoms
  • contraception
  • egalitarian relationships
  • human body
  • pregnancy
  • puberty
  • romantic relationships
  • sexual assault
  • sexual consent
  • sexual diversity
  • sexuality
  • sexual orientation
  • sexual relations
  • STBBIs
  • gender stereotypes

Key moments for implementing structured educational interventions

  • Elementary 3
  • Elementary 5
  • Elementary 6
  • Secondary III
  • Secondary IV

The Ministère has defined content in Sexuality Education This hyperlink will open in a new window. for each level of instruction, from preschool to the end of secondary school. The implementation of this content is the responsibility of the education network.

Some of the knowledge identified in relation to promotion and prevention has the same educational aims as certain content in Sexuality Education. Other promotion and prevention knowledge contributes to the theme of sexuality, such as the development of social skills.

Specific recommendations

  1. Develop an environment conducive to exchanges and discussions on sexuality.
    • Establish ground rules with students when sexuality is discussed, such as attentive listening, respect for opinions and intimacy, and positive and constructive comments.
      • Ensure that student confidentiality is respected. For example, use a mailbox to allow students to ask anonymous questions, implementing safeguards such as providing confidential answers if students have given their names and sharing answers with students in the group only if the questions and answers are appropriate to the level of development of the group as a whole.
  2. Do not overestimate young people’s knowledge about sexuality, but also do not underestimate their ability to understand and deal with certain facts of life.
  3. Foster an inclusive environment with regard to sexual diversity.
    • Avoid stigmatizing sexual diversity through actions, attitudes or words.
    • Listen to students who have questions or difficulties.
      • Use inclusive language.

For secondary students specifically, discuss various options for the effective prevention of STBBIs and pregnancy from the standpoint of equality and mutual respect (sexual choices, contraception and protection).

Last update: March 20, 2024

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